Grayson's Grades: Eagles at Jets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - The Philadelphia Eagles closed out the preseason with a 24-18 loss to the New York Jets. The big story coming into this game was the battle for the third string quarterback spot between Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow. Finally, one of the two quarterbacks asserted himself while the other may have just ridden off into the sunset as an Eagle.

Tim Tebow completed 11-of-17 passes for 189 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in Thursday's preseason finale. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

Here now, the final preseason edition of Grayson's Grades:

Kiko Alonso - Alonso played his first game in an Eagles uniform, but he didn't play for long. He saw limited action in the first quarter. Alonso looked to be as advertised. He hits the holes quickly and disrupts plays. It is easy to see that he will have a positive impact on this defense. Alonso was credited with two tackles in his short time on the field.

Raheem Mostert - Mostert made the 'most' of his opportunity against the Jets and moved the ball well when he had the chance through a variety of ways. Mostert racked up 239 all-purpose yards. He carried the ball 15 times for 69 yards, caught 8 passes for 93 yards and added 77 yards on 3 kickoff returns.

Tim Tebow - Tebow finally stepped up and asserted himself. It was the first time either he or Barkley at least tried to win the third string quarterback job. Tebow threw the ball pretty well and made better decisions. One of his only poor choices was throwing into double coverage in the fourth quarter. That pass was intercepted ending an otherwise solid drive. Tebow displayed his versatile skills by moving the chains on the ground as well. Tebow completed 11 of 17 passes for 189 yards and 2 touchdowns while throwing 1 interception. He also added 32 yards on 4 carries.

Jaylen Watkins - Watkins got beat on a touchdown pass early in the first quarter, but rebounded and made a very athletic interception that nearly turned into a pick six. Watkins needs to be more consistent when given the opportunities. He is going to be on the bubble as final cuts are made by Saturday evening. He was credited with 3 tackles, 1 interception and 1 pass deflection.

Rasheed Bailey - Bailey has been an impressive receiver this preseason. He probably will not make the final roster, but should be put on the practice squad. He only had three passes thrown his way and caught one for a touchdown. It was a difficult catch to make with a defender in the way, but he hauled it in nicely. Bailey finished with 2 receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown.

Jordan Hicks - Hicks saw a lot of playing time in this game and took advantage of it nicely. He was all over the field making some tackles and disrupting plays. He finished with 6 tackles.

Najee Goode - Goode is a solid special teams player and adds to the middle linebacker depth on the Eagles. He was in on a lot of plays and batted a pass down in the game. Goode finished with 7 tackles and 1 pass deflection.

Diaheem Watkins - Watkins probably won't make this team, but he had a solid showing in this game. It might have been enough to earn him a spot on the practice squad. He seemed to do a good job of holding his position and attacking the ball carriers when they were in his space. Watkins tallied 5 tackles.

Freddie Martino - Martino will not make the final cut, but he had a great moment for his highlight reel late in the game. He bailed out Tim Tebow and made a great catch in the endzone, toeing the sideline while hauling it in. Martino caught 2 passes for 45 yards and a touchdown.

Beau Allen - Allen does a pretty good job of helping to stop the opposing running attack. He was in on a lot of plays and led the Eagles with 8 tackles in the game. Allen is a very solid backup for Bennie Logan as the nose tackle.

Eric Rowe - Rowe has shown bright spots and the need for improvement in other areas. He crashes the line of scrimmage well on running plays for some solid run support, but he struggles with coverage over the middle. He seems to be a step late on breaking towards the inside with the receiver allowing some modest gains. The good news is he put more reps on film, which should create more opportunities to learn. He finished the game with 4 tackles.

Kip Smith - I absolutely love Kip's twitter handle, @KipKip_Hooray. However, that is not enough to keep him from earning a poor grade. He is clearly not an NFL kicker. His field goal and extra point attempts are far from a thing of beauty. He missed a pair of extra points in this game on ugly looking kicks. Kip is expected to be one of the 22 players cut by Saturday evening.

Matt Barkley - Barkley had another stinker of a game when he really needed to perform well. That is why he gets an 'F'. It very well may have been his final appearance in an Eagles uniform. Barkley misfired to his receivers again. He also lacked the arm strength necessary to complete a pass down the sideline. He left it short for an easy interception by the Jets. Barkley completed just 4 of 9 passes for 45 yards and an interception.

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